DiGiGrid MGBThe DiGiGrid MGB interface allows you to connect any Coaxial MADI-enabled device to the SoundGrid network. Now, you can record, process and playback up to 128 channels with Waves and third-party SoundGrid-compatible plugins in high-fidelity at a super-low latency of 0.8 milliseconds! In addition to simplifying your routing, the MGB interface enables recording to two computers simultaneously, for virtual soundcheck and backup.

SoundGrid TechnologySoundGrid is an Audio-over-Ethernet networking and processing technology developed by Waves. SoundGrid provides extremely low-latency, high-channel-count audio processing using standard Intel CPUs and 1 Gbps Ethernet networks for studio, live sound, and other real-time professional audio applications. Real-time audio processing is performed on standard Intel-based plugin servers, running a Waves-customized real-time version of Linux.

Audio Transport and System ControlSoundGrid is a proprietary Ethernet Layer 2 Protocol and EtherType. Audio is transported and routed between networked I/O devices and is processed on plugin servers connected to the same network. The I/O device converts SoundGrid packets to standard and proprietary audio protocol schemes.

Audio ProcessingTaking advantage of today’s extraordinary CPU power and the memory capabilities of Native processing, SoundGrid runs on standard CPUs under custom-optimized Linux OS, resulting in predictability, stability and low latency that were previously exclusive to dedicated DSP-based systems. Consequently, SoundGrid can run hundreds of compatible Waves and third-party plugins in real time, as well as extremely CPU-intensive plugins that are beyond the capabilities of DSP-based systems.

This division of labor between an audio processing server for plugin processing and a host computer for DAW processing is the key to the high performance, stability and low latency achieved by SoundGrid.

Audio InterfacingAudio is interfaced with SoundGrid by integrating a SoundGrid-programmed FPGA (Xilinx Spartan 3) into a mixing console’s I/O ports. The FPGA receives I2S or other audio signal formats and converts them to the SoundGrid format. The FPGA is also used to transfer control messages between control nodes external to the SoundGrid network and the SoundGrid control application.

Control SoftwareSoundGrid audio processing, connections, system configuration and monitoring are controlled by Waves’ SoundGrid Studio System software (the SoundGrid Studio Application, the SoundGrid ASIO/Core Audio driver, the eMotion ST mixer, and StudioRack for studio or MultiRack for live environments).

System ConfigurationSystem configuration data is part of the SoundGrid protocol, allowing users to: - Connect and route audio between system components - Configure I/O devices - Configure plugin servers - Set system sample rate, block size, and latency - Monitor and control system and component status - Set redundancy and recovery modes

ScalabilitySoundGrid systems can be easily configured for optimal effectiveness per channel count, processing capabilities, routing and sample rate, and are easily expanded by adding I/Os or processing devices as required.

Third-Party Hardware and Software CompatibilitySoundGrid is a protocol for real-time, low-latency audio processing and networking. It enables applications such as MultiRack and SoundGrid Studio and DAW plugins such as StudioRack to share and control I/O devices and servers across a network. It brings flexibility, quality and economy to work environments ranging from simple project studios to complex networked recording and broadcast companies.

The SoundGrid infrastructure is open to third-party hardware and software developers alike. Waves is working closely with additional plugin vendors and several hardware manufacturers in order to create a wide range of solutions and expand even further the family of SoundGrid-compatible tools. Committed to this task, Waves invites additional companies to be part of this revolution. Waves guarantees to provide the necessary tools, support, and supervision in order to ensure the high-quality products that our industry expects and deserves.

Waves DigiGrid MGB & Impact Bundle Features

System Features:

Primary components required for establishing a SoundGrid network

Ideal on-the-go solution for professional live mix engineers

MGB (Coaxial) interface – Compatible with any MADI-enabled console and most DAWs

What We Think

Waves' DiGiGrid and SoundGrid technology is changing my audio life... very much for the better! I do quite a bit of both studio recording and mixing AND live sound mixing and live show recording. So, the SoundGrid network is a natural choice for me and the DiGiGrid interfaces solve so much when it comes to having to meet the requirements of premium sound and build quality, expandable infrastructure (just add another interface to the existing setup), bang-for-the-buck, and insanely low system latency (0.8ms!!!).

Let's discuss the audio quality. The DiGiGrid hardware is all manufactured by DiGiCo who makes some of the most lust-worthy digital live sound consoles. Waves' partnership with DiGiCo is nothing short of genius. DiGiCo is a master of networking and of premium quality audio design. They didn't exactly reinvent the wheel where the DiGiGrid hardware is concerned. I mean, why reinvent the wheel? They simply ported over their existing microphone preamplifier and digital conversion designs. The result is simply stunning. Pulling up old sessions and starting new mixes quickly made me sit up and take notice; this was no

The features of the DiGiGrid IOX make it the obvious choice for live sound setups, which will likely sport 2 to 3 DiGiGrid IOX in tandem with either the DiGiGrid D or the DiGiGrid IOC at front-of-house (and for control room duties). But the DiGiGrid IOX is also a great place to start for someone planning on a larger system who needs more than the 8 channels offered on the 8 x 8 DiGiGrid IOS (Impact Server inside) and who might want to have a larger server in the long run. But if you already have your preferred set of preamps and converters on hand, then there are several ways to tie them into the SoundGrid network, whether it be through the DiGiGrid IOC with it's 16 Channels of AES/EBU (Tascam Standard) on 2 x DB25 connectors, 8 x channels of ADAT optical I/O, or 8 x 8 Analog Line I/O (it also has 2 mic preamps making talkback and RTA functions handy both for live and studio + 2 headphone amps). And if you have a MADI equipped set of converters such as with the Ferrofish, RME, Antelope Orion 32 or Orion 32+, Burl Mothership, Solid State Logic, or other MADI expandable converters such as the Mytek Digital 8x192 or Lynx Aurora, the DiGiGrid MGO (Optical) or DiGiGrid MGB (BNC) will get you connected according to your specific converters' needs.

Once you have the DiGiGrid hardware infrastructure in place, you're able to outfit and expand at will. For live sound, you can pair it with eMotion LV1 mixer, suitable computer w/ touchcreen monitors and you've got a serious, top flight live mixing system capable of running Waves and 3rd party SoundGrid compatible plugins directly on each channel, bus, etc. And in the studio, the SoundGrid studio application gives you an insane amount of routing capabilities as well as the eMotion ST studio mixer for creating zero-latency input headphone monitoring mixes, etc.

The bottom line is that these systems are still relatively under the radar - mainly because there's a lot for people to wrap their heads around. But while I wouldn't exactly recommend an advanced system to a beginner, it's not terribly difficult to comprehend - especially not when you purchase your DiGiGrid system through Front End Audio. You get our before and after the sale support. So, you'll never be left there hanging.